The ACT Government is ramping up recruitment for more bus drivers as part of planning to increase the frequency of public transport services, whilst grappling with continuing COVID-19 workforce impacts.
“COVID-19 is having a significant impact on public transport networks across the world, with reliability and service levels under pressure, as we continue to see more staff taking sick leave and carers leave.” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
“We want to strengthen public transport service frequency but to do that reliably during the pandemic we need to grow a bigger and more flexible workforce.
“If you’ve ever considered becoming a bus driver and helping Canberrans get where they need to go, Transport Canberra wants to hear from you.”
The current interim timetable has been in place since August 2021. It still provides a good level of frequency on most services, with rapid buses running at least every 15 minutes or better on weekdays during peak periods. However returning to high frequency services is a key priority for Canberra’s public transport recovery and the ACT Government is ramping up recruitment as part of working towards this.
“The current wave of COVID-19 is continuing to have an impact on staff with an average of 93 drivers on personal leave on any given weekday over the past 4 weeks and this could increase in the weeks ahead.” said Deputy Director General for Transport Canberra, Ben McHugh.
“In Term 3, Transport Canberra’s continued focus will be on delivering reliable services under the interim network, as we recruit more drivers ready for when we can step up service frequency.”
“Transport Canberra has already recruited 33 drivers this year and we’re aiming to recruit a further 60 drivers by December.”
New drivers will be coming into the workforce at an exciting time to be working in the public transport sector, with Canberra’s first 12 all electric buses on the way this year and an additional 90 electric buses currently being procured.
The latest recruitment campaign for casual and part-time bus drivers will run until 24 July 2022, remuneration is generous and all Canberrans are encouraged to apply.
